7 Day Tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale by Plane - A Turkish Trio

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will embark on a half-day Bosphorus Cruise combined with a visit to the Spice Market. From the deck of the cruise boat, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait, a legendary waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Along the way, you will pass historic villages, elegant wooden mansions, formidable fortresses such as Anadolu Hisarı, and the opulent Baroque palaces once home to the Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, you will visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the rich aromas of exotic spices and the bustling sounds of vendors selling fruits, flowers, and traditional Turkish delicacies. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

At 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel and meet your tour guide for a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s rich imperial heritage. The tour includes visits to some of the city’s most important historical landmarks. You will see the magnificent Hagia Sophia, once the world’s largest cathedral; the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles; the Hippodrome, which served as the social and political center of Byzantine Constantinople; and the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling marketplace where you can find carpets, jewelry, and countless Turkish treasures. The tour also includes Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, and the beautiful Rustem Pasha Mosque. At the end of the tour, around 5:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. In the evening, you will take a domestic flight to Kayseri. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, your guided tour of North Cappadocia will begin. Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, located on the northern slopes of Aktepe, near Pasabaglari and Avanos. This otherworldly landscape features surreal fairy chimneys spread across three valleys, with uniquely shaped formations and pointed tops. Next, you will visit Love Valley, known for its unusual rock formations, particularly the iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. The area surrounding Pasabag, or the Pasha’s Vineyard, offers a dramatic scene of towering natural spires. You will continue to Avanos, a historic town renowned for its pottery-making tradition that dates back to 3000 BC. Here, you will visit a traditional workshop where artisans still craft ceramics using clay sourced from the Red River that runs through the town. The final stop is Uchisar, a village centered around an immense rock formation that was once used as a fortress. It is the highest point in Cappadocia, offering spectacular views of the entire region and Mount Erciyes. At the end of the tour, around 5:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. (Lunch included)

You will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Today’s journey begins with Kizilcukur, or Red Valley, an isolated and scenic area behind Urgup, where stunning rock formations and hidden churches carved into the stone await discovery. The valley is crisscrossed by countless trails that connect small villages through lush vineyards and gardens. Along the way, you may encounter friendly villagers offering fresh fruits like grapes, apples, or apricots. The tour continues to Cavusin, one of the region’s oldest settlements, located near Goreme. Here, you will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which dates back to the 5th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Although its large courtyard has partially eroded, the church remains one of the most historically significant sites in Cappadocia. You will then explore Mazikoy, one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s underground cities. Featuring eight floors, this extensive network of tunnels and chambers served as a refuge for early Christians, though not all levels are open to the public. Finally, you will visit the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Izmir, one of our representatives will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight stay in Kusadasi. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

After breakfast, you will depart from Kusadasi and head to Pamukkale for a full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a striking natural wonder formed by mineral-rich thermal waters that have created cascading white terraces over thousands of years. Hierapolis, located adjacent to Pamukkale, was founded in 190 BC as a healing center and quickly became a prominent cultural, religious, and commercial city in the Roman Empire. During your visit, you will see ancient ruins including the basilica, Roman baths, and the theater. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

This morning, you will depart from the European side of Istanbul and cross the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side. Your drive will take you through the charming neighborhoods of Kadikoy and Bostanci, showcasing a different and equally captivating side of Istanbul. Upon arrival in Bostanci, you will have some free time to explore one of the most elegant districts of the city. From there, you will board a ferry to the Princes’ Islands, heading toward Buyukada, the largest and most famous of the archipelago. During your time on the island, you will see historic sites such as the Church and Monastery of St. George (Aya Yorgi), Ayios Dimitrios Church, and the Hristos Monastery. You will enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant offering stunning views. After lunch, you will have free time to explore the island at your own pace. Since motor vehicles are prohibited, you can experience the island’s charm by renting a bicycle or taking a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride. On your return journey, you will board a cruise ferry that stops at Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada before arriving back at Kabatas on the European side. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel by 12:00 PM. You will be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your tour and services. Should you wish to extend your stay in Istanbul with additional nights, please let us know in advance so we can assist with arrangements.